Adjustable spoiler for Motorcycle helmet

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a spoiler for motorcycle helmet which is adjustable. The position of the spoiler of the present invention can be adjusted horizontally, vertically or in a circular motion depending upon speed and tilt of the biker as well as the air pressure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to spoiler for helmets for Motorbike/motorcycle helmets and more particularly to adjustable spoilers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motorcycle passengers are required to wear a helmet to protect their heads in the event of an accident. Helmets are an essential safety accessory when riding a motorcycle. Travelling at high speeds on an open vehicle puts the rider at risk, which the helmet negates substantially.

The most important resistive force in cycling/biking is the air resistance, or aerodynamic drag. This is a force any object is subjected to when moving through air, which acts in the opposite direction of the relative motion of the object, thus slowing it down.

The most important resistive force in cycling is the air resistance, or aerodynamic drag. This is a force any object is subjected to when moving through air, which acts in the opposite direction of the relative motion of the object, thus slowing it down. Air resistance is often thought of as a combination of pressure drag and skin friction drag. Pressure drag is associated with the shape of the object, and is the result of a difference in pressure on the front and back of the object. Higher pressure in front of the object than behind cause a net force acting backwards. This pressure difference is in most cases caused by flow separation, which is a phenomenon that occurs when the boundary layer is no longer sustainable under an adverse pressure gradient. When flow separates, streamlines of the flow no longer follow the surface of the object, and vortices and eddies form in the separated region. The pressure is low within this separated region, leading to the pressure difference associated with pressure drag. To avoid flow separation, to reduce pressure drag, the object should have a streamlined shape with a surface that guides the flow gently around its corners. The gentle the curvature around the features of the object reduces the adverse pressure gradient, making flow separation less likely to occur.

Another option is to provide spoilers with the helmets. Driving on the high speed, motorcycle helmet creates a wake on the rear part of the helmet decreasing the pressure behind the helmet. These low-pressure fields create recirculation zones and the air goes backwards to the top of the helmet reaching the main flow and resulting in a drag. If the helmet has a spoiler on its rear part, the wake creates after the trailing edge of the spoiler and the backflows do not reach the main flow staying under the spoiler and improving aerodynamic performance of the helmet.

The present invention provides for an adjustable spoiler for helmets for overcoming the above difficulties faced by motorcyclists.

Some prior arts in the field includes the following:

DE10212516A1 talks of Flexible helmet spoiler for reducing the flow resistance of helmets (2), characterized in that the flexible helmet spoiler (3) consists entirely or partially of flexible material and, when the airstream (1) is present, completely or partially fills with ram air and assumes a predefined, streamlined shape.

EP0248003A1 discusses about protective helmet for motorcyclists, racing athletes or the like with a helmet shell with a face cutout on the front, preferably with a visor or spoiler also attached to the front of the helmet, characterized in that a spoiler (6, 13) with a flow separation edge (7, 13) has on the back of the helmet, 11) is attached.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,958A discusses about a single piece, high impact resistant plastic foam helmet having a truncated teardrop shape for aerodynamic efficiency is provided. The helmet design incorporates three ridges centred across the upper front portion of the helmet causing airflow over the helmet to separate from the rear surface of the helmet prior to the onset of turbulence resulting in minimized buffeting of the helmet and reduced drag. A combination of buffeting and a unique retention strap adjustment clip result in greater stability of the helmet on a user's head.

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

When travelling at high speed, the air flow around the rider becomes quite strong. This creates turbulence as the rider is buffeted by strong gusts and strong winds. Turbulence around riders helmet creates noise, vibration, and instability. It can also reduce speed.

SOLUTION

Providing an adjustable spoiler with the helmets, may be a solution to the above problem of driving a motorcycle at high speed. Experimentation has shown that helmets with spoiler have the following advantages:

Adding an adjustable spoiler increases the aerodynamic efficiency of the helmet decreasing the low-speed fields behind the helmet in certain conditions.

Further, low-pressure backflows behind the helmet are separated from the main flow and stay under the spoiler decreasing the drag.

Also, directed tangential to the spoiler flow creates less eddies behind the helmet.

Also, since, spoiler angle has a significant influence on the flow behind the helmet at high speed, spoiler angle should be changed when the helmet changes the tilt to decrease the drag or, when riding at low speeds to reduce buffeting and turbulence effects on the rider.

Hence, an adjustable spoiler for helmets seems a probable solution to the above mentioned difficulties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention, therefore is to provide a spoiler for motorcycle helmet which is adjustable depending upon the speed of the motorcycle as well as the tilt of the head of the motorcyclist.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a spoiler wherein the spoiler positions can be adjusted horizontally, vertically or in a circular motion.

A further aspect of the invention is to provide an adjustable spoiler for providing different levels of aerodynamics.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a spoiler for motorcycle helmet where the adjustments in spoiler positions are attained by affixing the spoiler with the helmet through a pivot.

A still further aspect of the invention is to provide a spoiler within a housing, which can be attached to the main body of the helmet.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

Helmet 100

Rear Spoiler 102

Wing Portion 104

Skirt portion 106

Rear part of Helmet 108

Upper position of spoiler 110

Lower position of spoiler 112

Spoiler range 114

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows Velocity contours for different spoiler's position;

FIG. 2 shows the Turbulence kinetic energy contours for different spoiler's position.

FIG. 3 shows Helmet models for bottom spoiler's position optimization.

FIG. 4 shows velocity contours of a flow around the helmet without a spoiler and with different spoiler angles.

FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the helmet with the adjustable spoiler of the present invention, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is the side view of the helmet with the adjustable spoiler of the present invention, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is the perspective view of the helmet with the spoiler in a disengaged position, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is the rear view of the helmet with the adjustable spoiler of the present invention, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative representation of an adjustable helmet with spoiler, in side view, with spoiler sliding both horizontally and vertically within a housing, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the detailed description, several associated principles and effects comes into play in the functioning of the adjustable helmets spoiler which are elaborated hereupon, followed by elaboration of the novel aspects of the said spoiler.

The force acting on the occupant wearing the helmet while the motorcycle is travelling is roughly classified into air resistance (drag) from the front of the motorcycle, lateral force due to the lateral wind, and lift force that causes the helmet to float.

Drag can be defined as the fluid pressure in the direction opposite to the direction of travel, that is, air resistance, when the motorcycle travels, and it obstructs the movement of the motorcycle to follow. Appears as resistance. Therefore, the higher the drag, that is, the greater the air resistance of the helmet, the greater the load on the occupant's neck, causing fatigue.

The lateral force can be defined as a force that causes the helmet to sway from side to side due to the wind blowing from the side of the motorcycle or the wind generated when the vehicle moves with a large vehicle. Such lateral forces affect the entire helmet worn by the occupant and in some cases can pose considerable danger.

Lift can be defined as the force acting perpendicular to the direction of travel of the motorcycle to float the helmet in the air. Due to the effect of lift, when the helmet floats from the occupant's head, the occupant's consciousness is distracted, and in some cases, the handling stability is lost.

The adjustable, helmet spoiler of the present invention, separates the backflow behind the helmet from the main flow decreasing the drag. In addition, it directs the air after the helmet tangentially to the spoiler decreasing eddies formation behind the helmet.

The main objective of the adjustable spoiler design is to choose the proper spoiler angle according to rider's speed. Since, different spoiler angles have a significant influence on the flow above the helmet and behind it in low and high speeds.

In addition, individual characteristics of bikers should be considered, such as forward tilt of head. Hence, the spoiler of the present invention has three fixed positions: upper, middle and bottom. The upper spoiler position should be used without forward tilt of head. Bottom spoiler position is used with forward tilt of head up to 30 degrees.

The different position of spoilers viz. Upper, middle and bottom were tested and simulated and the following results were found.

For optimizing the initial upper position of the spoiler, three additional spoiler angles were examined with 5 degrees step. Simulation results show that increasing the spoiler's position to the top of the helmet increases the flow velocity above the helmet. However, in case when the spoiler reaches its highest position the wake after the helmet begins to increase. Turbulence kinetic energy considerably increases in the position of Initial plus 5 degrees (optimization bottom position) and reaches its optimal values in the position Initial minus 5 degrees. Hence the optimum upper spoiler's position should be Initial minus 5 degrees. This is diagrammatically represented in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In case when biker's head tilted forward with a head tilt angle of 30 degrees, the bottom position of the spoiler should be used. Considering, initial bottom position of the spoiler to be 15 degrees lower than initial upper position. For optimizing, the initial bottom position of the spoiler, three additional spoiler angles were examined with 5 degrees step (20, 25 and 30 degrees from upper position). Helmet models for this optimization are shown on FIG. 3.

Simulation results show that decreasing the spoiler's position to the bottom of the helmet increases the flow velocity above the helmet. Further, decreasing the spoiler's position by more than 5 degrees optimizes such flow velocity. The Turbulence kinetic energy also increases after position Initial plus 5 degrees. Hence the optimum bottom spoiler's position should be Initial plus 5 degrees.

Comparison of the forward tilted helmet with spoiler and without it gives the same result as the helmet without a tilt. The flow behind the helmet with spoiler has less low-speed (low-pressure) fields than behind the helmet without spoiler, i.e. drag decreases. Adding a spoiler decreases eddy formation for the forward tilted helmet.

Further, in case of forward tilt of the helmet, the wake after the helmet also changes. Adding a spoiler also decreases low speed areas behind the helmet, so drag also decreases as mentioned above. Hence, the optimum spoiler position is bottom, like in case of a high-speed flow.

When the driving speed is low, for example, (30 mph), the air flow is also at a low speed. Here also the effectiveness of adding a spoiler to the helmet is seen. Spoiler decreases the wake distribution behind the helmet and separates the backflows behind the helmet from the main flow. The optimal spoiler position is Middle for a low speed flow. Referring to FIG. 4, depicting velocity contours of a flow around the helmet without a spoiler and with different spoiler angles.

The spoiler (102) of the present invention is semi-circular in shape located behind a centre of a longitudinal width of the helmet (100) which comprises of two parts a wing portion (104) which protrudes backwards and a skirt portion (106) which is a thin plate member disposed at a left rear side and a right rear side of the helmet respectively and engages around the rear part of the helmet (108) as shown in FIG. The spoiler (102) is engaged with the helmet via a pivot (not shown). The spoiler position can be adjusted to provide different levels of aerodynamics. It can be adjusted to be placed in an upper position (110), in the middle position or in a bottom position (112), or in any other position ranging from (110) to (112) shown as (114) depending upon the driving speed and the tilt of the head. In one of the embodiments the pivot helps in the adjustments of the spoiler. The position adjustment is continuous, allowing the spoiler to hold any position within its movement range.

In one of the embodiments, the spoiler (102) is housed in a housing within which the spoiler (102) slides. The spoiler position can be adjusted to provide different levels of aerodynamics. It can be adjusted to be placed in an upper position (110), in the middle position or in a bottom position (112), or in any other position ranging from 110) to (112) shown as (114) depending upon the driving speed and the tilt of the head. The position adjustment is continuous, allowing the spoiler to hold any position within its movement range.

In another embodiment, the spoiler is housed within a housing within which the spoiler slides and is engaged with the helmet via a pivot which allows the spoiler to rotate and achieve the desirable angle of the spoiler as is required depending upon the driving speed and the tilt of the head. The spoiler position can be adjusted to provide different levels of aerodynamics. It can be adjusted to be placed in an upper position (110), in the middle position or in a bottom position (112), or in any other position ranging from (110) to (112) as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9 as (114).

In still another embodiment, the spoiler is housed within a housing, and enables the sliding of the spoiler within the housing both vertically and horizontally. The motorcycle helmet (100) has a rear spoiler (102) attached. The position of the spoiler can be adjusted to provide different levels of aerodynamics. It can be adjusted to be placed in an upper position (110), in the middle position or in a bottom position (112), or in any other position ranging between (114) as illustrated in FIG. 9. The position adjustment is continuous, allowing the spoiler to hold any position within its movement range.

In some embodiments the spoiler can be spring loaded providing dynamic adjustable aerodynamics. As increased air pressure is applied to the spoiler the spring automatically extends or retracts to compensate.

In some other embodiments the spoiler may be attached to an electronic actuator. The actuator may be automatically adjusted and controlled via a speed sensor and processor. As speed increases the electronic actuator extends the spoiler, as speed decreases the electronic actuator retracts the spoiler.

The adjustable spoiler of the present invention may be of material including, but not limited to stainless steel, aluminium, polyurethane, polycarbonate, carbon fiber, or any other variations known in the art.

The adjustable spoiler of the present invention may be manufactured by any one of the methods including but not limited to injection molding, rotational molding, compression molding, die casting, laser cutting, 3D printing, or any other variations known in the art.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been described so far, embodiment of this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. That is, other embodiments, additions, changes, deletions, and the like can be changed within the scope that can be conceived by those skilled in the art, and as long as the effects of the present invention are exhibited in any aspect, the scope of the present invention is included. It is included. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable spoiler for motorcycle users/bikers, on an outer surface of the helmet having a semi-circular shape, and located behind a centre of a longitudinal width of the helmet comprising: a wing portion; and a skirt portion, wherein, the said wing portion protrudes backwards from the helmet and extends behind the helmet; and the said skirt portion is a thin plate member disposed at a left rear side and a right rear side of the helmet engaging around the rear part of the helmet.
 2. The adjustable spoiler of claim 1, wherein the said spoiler is engaged with the helmet via pivot, allowing the spoiler to be adjusted in variable positions from upper to lower depending upon the driving speed and the tilt of the head.
 3. The adjustable spoiler of claim 1, wherein the said spoiler is housed within a housing within which it slides.
 4. The adjustable spoiler of claim 3, wherein the said spoiler slides both vertically and horizontally depending upon the speed and the tilt of the head of the biker.
 5. The adjustable spoiler of claim 1, wherein the said spoiler is spring loaded, wherein the spring automatically extends or retracts depending upon the pressure of the air.
 6. The adjustable spoiler of claim 1, wherein the said spoiler is controlled by an electronic actuator which receives inputs from the speed sensor and processor.
 7. The adjustable spoiler of claim 1, wherein the spoiler is made from any one of materials including stainless steel, aluminium, polyurethane, polycarbonate, carbon fiber.
 8. The adjustable spoiler of claim 1, wherein the spoiler may be manufactured by any one of the methods including injection molding, rotational molding, compression molding, die casting, laser cutting and 3D printing. 